By Chinonso Ihekire
The influence a great mix plays in the overall quality of a song cannot be overemphasised. It is not a new concept to have tracks mixed a hundred times and end up going for the first mix. Different Feeling by Badtmansix featuring 9tro and Rasta is very carefully constructed and technically mixed.
This tune definitely gives you a different vibe when you listen. The groove is solid, and the low end is tightly controlled, letting the kick and bass coexist without obscuring one another. Badtmansix’s lead vocal sits in the centre of the mix. What stands out the most is the minimal approach employed in the vocal processing. The mix was created to give as much clarity as possible, and the dynamics appear well controlled while the EQ is applied subtly to shape the sound without being at all distracting. This works perfectly with the song, as there’s a sense of forward momentum and change here.
9tro and Rasta come in and change the textural landscape, rather than the structure. This creates a nice melodic variation that contrasts with their lyrical subject matter. When the voices form an harmony, the spatial quality of each vocal and the airy vibe created by the reverb ensures we can perceive the quality in each of the vocals. Structure and arrangements aren’t really being focused on, so nothing really moves abruptly. Nothing drops out unexpectedly or builds suddenly. Everything seems to be flowing slowly and without sudden moments, allowing the topic matter to really move and for there to be more of a slow burn with it. Repetition helps bring all the elements together as well.
Technically, “Different Feeling” wins by sheer discipline. The effectiveness is found in well placed vocals, measured dynamic range, and a blended mix that allows the elements to work together as one. “Different Feeling” proved to have not just artistic chemistry between the two artists, but a technical understanding that helps make the track stand out and age well.
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